Big City Access Small Town Charm | |
Week Ending - August 24, 2024
Welcome to the Village of Forest Park's weekly e-newsletter! Please use this e-newsletter as a resource to provide you with the latest news, events, and resources in and around Forest Park!
In this edition, please find updates from the Village Council, the Clerk's Office, Public Works, the Police Department, the Fire Department, the Community Center, community news, job opportunities, and more!
We want to hear from you! If you have news or events that you would like to include in future editions, please let us know.
| |
Unofficially, summer has come to an end with the start of school. School buses and student drop offs will once again become part of our weekly routines. Please make sure to slow down in school zones and obey stops signs and speed limits. Remember safety first as our kids begin another school year!
We've got some great news about the Madison Street revitalization project! Last year, Public Works began by addressing tripping hazards on the sidewalks, repairing cracked and uneven sections to improve safety. Then the entire strip from VanBuren to Harlem was given a thorough cleaning using an environmentally friendly cleaner and high-pressure hot water. Following this, Public Works continued to refresh the pavement markings between Desplaines and Harlem with new thermoplastic for enhanced visibility.
Currently, the Village is working on replacing old tree grates that had become a trip hazard due to tree growth. These are being replaced with a porous, tree-friendly material that supports healthy tree growth and ensures proper water absorption. Looking ahead, we will be seal coating and re-striping all municipal parking lots along Madison St., so please be aware of upcoming lot closures. New informational signs will be installed along Roosevelt and Madison to help direct visitors to local attractions and key landmarks. The Village will also be enhancing Madison Street with new site furniture, including updated garbage cans, new bike racks and benches. Finally, this winter, we plan to bid for the painting of all light poles and pedestrian lights along Madison St. in hopes of securing a more competitive price during the off-season. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to enhance Madison St. and our community!
I also want to bring to your attention a concerning rise in rental scams within our Village. Scammers are increasingly using fake advertisements with copied photos and descriptions to deceive individuals into sending application fees through Venmo or other payment platforms. To help you stay safe, please remember to verify listings by cross-checking addresses with property owners or rental companies. Be on the lookout for red flags, such as offers that seem too good to be true or sellers who are unwilling to meet in person. Additionally, avoid sending money for properties you haven’t seen or to individuals you haven't met, and be cautious of using wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency for payments. For more tips on protecting yourself, click here.
| | |
Village Council Meeting Information
The next meeting of the Forest Park Village Council will be held on Monday, August 26, 2024, at 7pm in the lower level of Village Hall. As always, the public is welcome to join.
|
Can't make the meeting in person? Village Council meetings are streamed live and recordings are published to the Village website within a few days after the meeting.
To view the meetings live via Zoom, click here and then click on the Zoom link for the current meeting. Meetings will start at 7pm.
To view recordings of the Village Council meetings, click here, then click on the date you would like to view.
| News from the Village Clerk's Office |
Are you receiving all eligible tax savings on your property tax bill? Review you property tax bill to ensure you have received all eligible exemptions. For more information, from the Cook County Assessor's Office, click here.
Are you registered to vote? Whether you're new to the area or have been here for years, your vote matters. Take a moment to verify your voter registration status or register if you haven't already. Registering to vote is quick and easy and ensures that you have a say in the decisions that affect us all. More voter registration can be found here.
| News from the Mayor's Office |
Save the Date: Leaf Pick Up Townhall
Residents are invited to attend a Leaf Pick Up Townhall on Tuesday, September 24, at 7 PM at Village Hall. This meeting will provide an opportunity to discuss the current leaf pick-up program's pros and cons and explore alternative ideas. Village staff, along with members of the Forest Park Environmental Commission, will be present to offer insights and answer questions. Participation and input from the community are encouraged.
| |
Nominations for the Environmental Awards Are Now Open!
Do you know someone or a group making a real impact in sustainability and climate action? Now is the perfect time to recognize their efforts!
The Environmental Awards honor individuals, organizations, local businesses, and collaborative projects making strides in climate action and sustainability! Categories include Community Organization, Individual, Local Business, and Collaborative Initiative. Anyone can nominate deserving candidates. Submit your nominations by September 30 and help us celebrate those making a positive impact on our environment! Nomination form can be found here.
| |
News from the Department of Public Health & Safety |
The CDC is issuing a Health Alert Network advisory due to an increase in human parvovirus B19 cases in the U.S. This seasonal respiratory virus spreads through respiratory droplets and is highly contagious. Symptoms can include fever, headache, cough, and sore throat. In children, it often causes a characteristic “slapped cheek” rash, while adults may experience joint pain lasting one to three weeks. For more information, please click here.
| |
News from the Public Works Department
The Village's Lead Service Line Replacement Project is underway, and we need your help! If you receive a letter or have a sign on your front lawn like the one pictured below, please use the QR code to complete the form required for the Village to replace your lead service line. The replacement is free to homeowners in the Village's designated service areas.
| |
News from the Community Center | |
Food Pantry
Residents who are in need of assistance with groceries can visit the Forest Park Food Pantry located at the Community Center. For hours and more information, call 708-771-7737.
| |
News from the Fire Department | |
9-1-1- Emergency and Non-Emergencies
Anyone requiring immediate assistance from the Forest Park Police and Fire Departments should call 9-1-1; this also includes non-emergency situations which require a response. The Village’s 9-1-1 dispatch center will route your call to the appropriate personnel to assist with the matter at hand. The Village’s 708-366-2425 number is not to be used to request service for public safety personnel.
This change is a result of the State's dispatch consolidation requirements that went into effect in May 2017. If you call Village Hall in need of police or fire personnel for either non-emergency or emergency response, you will be transferred to our WESCOM dispatch center where a dispatcher will route your call to the appropriate police or fire personnel. WESCOM services Forest Park, Oak Park, and River Forest. Since three towns are being serviced, you may be asked a series of questions in order to confirm your location.
Please share this news with your neighbors. 9-1-1 is for both emergencies and non-emergencies requiring police or fire personnel assistance.
|
|
News from the Police Department | |
The Forest Police Department proudly swore in two new patrol officers, Daniel Dudek and Robert Topps III. Both will soon embark on a rigorous 16-week police academy program, which encompasses over 1,000 hours of instruction. Upon successful completion, Daniel and Robert will return to Forest Park for further specialized training. Chief Ken Gross and the entire department are thrilled to welcome them to the team. Below, is a photo of Daniel and Robert with their families, as well as with Chief Gross and Mayor Hoskins. We wish them the best of luck at the academy! | |
For more information about the Forest Park Police Department, visit their website by clicking here.
| |
Upcoming Board and Commission Meetings
All meetings are held at Village Hall unless otherwise noted.
Dates and Times are subject to change- check the village website for the most up-to-date information.
August 26, Village Council Meeting, 7pm
August 28, Environmental Control Commission, 7pm
September 4, Board of Health Meeting, 7pm
September 9, Village Council Meeting 7pm
September 16, Planning & Zoning Meeting, 7pm
September 17, Neighborhood Watch, 7pm
| |
Environmental Control Commission (ECC)
We meet the 4th Wednesday of every month at 7pm at Village Hall. Please check out our August newsletter for the latest news.
| |
Planning & Zoning Commission
The PZC meets as needed on the third Monday of the month at 7pm in the Lower Level of Village Hall.
| |
Garage Galleries - August 24 12pm- 6pm
Don't miss tomorrow's Garage Galleries event on August 24, from noon to 6 p.m.! This unique neighborhood art walk features Forest Park residents opening their garages to showcase the work of talented artists. It's a fantastic opportunity to explore art in a relaxed, community setting. For a map of participating garages, click here. Make sure to join us for this delightful and creative neighborhood event!
| |
Let's Talk Balance
Altenheim is excited to host a series of enriching sessions designed to help you stay balanced and stress-free! The "Life's A Balancing Act" event will feature practical workshops on preventing falls, reducing stress through music, and engaging in chair yoga. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with your neighbors while learning valuable wellness tips. The events are open to everyone, so bring your friends and family! Attend one or all of the sessions (August 26, 27, 28 & 29 at 1pm).
For more details, call us at 708-366-2206 or click here for more information.
| |
Invasion of the scarecrows is back!
The Historical Society of Forest Park and the Forest Park Arts Alliance are excited to bring back the Invasion of the Scarecrows this October! This year’s event will feature 300 scarecrows—up from 100 last year!
Here’s how to join the fun:
-
Order Your Kit: Purchase online here.
- Pick Up Your Kit: Collect it at Garage Galleries on August 24 or at the Park District’s Fall Fest on September 7 (details to follow).
- Create & Display: Decorate and display your scarecrow(s) in October.
Reuse last year’s scarecrow for just $5. New kit with blank face scarecrow $35; Child scarecrow $25; or order a face painted by an artist $45.
New Kits include everything you need!
Vote for your favorites and compete for prizes in categories like Most Historic, Most Artistic, and more. Plus, there’s a special award for the block with the highest participation!
| |
Proviso Handyman August News
Proviso Handyman department is here to serve the needs of our senior residents over the age of 60 and /or disabled residents who are homeowners in our community. More information can be found here.
| |
Local Hiring Opportunities | |
The Village of Forest Park and several community partners are hiring. Please see the links below for more information and to apply:
| |
Important Phone Numbers
Police, Fire and Medical Needs
Emergency and Non-Emergency - 911
24/7 Mental Health Crisis Support - 988
| |
Text to 911 Now Available
West Suburban Consolidated Dispatch Center which provides emergency response services to Forest Park, along with Oak Park and River Forest can now receive 911 texts from a cell phone to report an emergency.
While calls to 911 will best assist emergency responders in being able to locate a caller, texting is an option for those who may need it. Text should only be used when some is unable to voice call to 911.
A text to 911 cannot include any other recipients. Texts to 911 may also take longer to reach the dispatch center.
Texts to 911 should be brief. Please include the type of help needed and the location where help is needed. Be prepared to respond to follow-up questions via text to better assist emergency responders.
| |
Village Hall/Clerk's Office - 708-366-2323
Police Department - 708-366-2425
Parking/Records - 708-366-7272
Fire Department - 708-366-1234
Community Center - 708-771-7737
Forest Park Public Library - 708-366-7171
Park District of Forest Park 708-366-7500
School District 91 - 708-366-5700
Proviso Township High School - 708- 338-5900
| | | | |